Job 36:26-37:24

(Note: Elihu’s final speech describes God’s greatness seen in His control of the weather and its purpose. In this passage there are three different words all translated ‘clouds’. The chiastic structure remarkably pairs up these different types of cloud. Section C deals with the voice of God as thunder and is contrasted to the voice of man in C’. The stormy frost of D is contrasted to the warm calmer weather of D’. The central clause gives us an insight into how God uses these wonders – they are for correction, for His land, or for mercy.)

A (26) Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.

B (27-33) For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof: Which the cloudsdo drop and distil upon man abundantly. Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle? Behold, he spreadeth his lightupon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea. For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance. With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt. The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.

C (1-8) At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place. Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth. He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth. After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard. God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend. For he saithto the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength. He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work. Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places.

D (9-10) Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and coldout of the north. By the breath of God frostis given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.

E (11a) Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud:

F (11b-12a) he scattereth his brightcloud: And it is turned round about by his counsels:

G (12b-14) that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth. He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy. Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.

E’ (16) Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?

D’ (17-18) How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind? Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?

C’ (19-20) Teach us what we shall sayunto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness. Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.

B’ (21-22) And now men see not the bright lightwhich is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them. Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty.

A’ (23-24) Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict. Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.